Shirt pressing machine



Jan. 2, 1934. I H, MCGOWAN 1,942,254

SHIRT PRESSING MACHINE Filed March 5, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 1' lNV ENTOR Jan. 2, 1934. c ow 1,942,254

SHIRT PRESSING MACHINE Filed March 3, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR MdMMo W%r;@

Jan. 2, 1934. 1-, H, MCGOWAN 1,942,254

SHIRT PRESS ING MACHINE Filed March 5, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR Mia/M WZ% Jan. 2 1934. T. H. MCGOWAQ 1,942,254

SHIRT PRESSING MACHINE Filed March 3, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR Jan. 2 1934. -r H, MCGOWAN 1,942,254

SHIRT PRESS ING MACHINE Filed March 3, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 D 7' Q 714 2% K 773 g 1 I m 1 I! lN VENTOR description of the machine. In the accompanying,

Patented Jan. 2, 1934 3,942,254 snm'r ranssmo momma Thomas H. McGowan, Butler, Pa., assignorv to Spaide Shirt Company, a corporation of Pennsylvania Application March 3, 1930. Serial No. 432,771

23 Claims.

My invention relates to a shirt presser; a machine, that is to say, for automatically pressing or ironing shirts, or other articles of apparel.

In general, a shirt ironing machine consists of a heated pressing head which is adapted to be brought powerfully down upon a Shirt, lying in appropriate arrangement on a suitable surface below the pressing head. In operating a pressing machine of the type employed hitherto, the attendant first arranges the shirt to be pressed on the pressing surface or ironing board. Havin appropriately so arranged the shirt on the pressing surface, he next manipulates a treadle or other controller for causing the pressing head to lower and do its pressing. Such a machine requires constant and close supervision; manipulation-of the machine is necessary for each pressing operation, and itswork output is, accordingly, small. I provide a pressing machine which functions automatically-a pressing machine which does not require continual manipulation, and, in general, a machine in the operation of which the attendant has only to handle the shirts. In my pressing machine, invention is found in the means for automatically and successively feeding shirts to a position beneath the pressing head, and in the means for automatically operating the pressing head in synchronism with the automatic feeding of the shirts.

Upon remarking that other features of invention will'hereinafter appear, I proceed with the drawings Fig. I is a plan View of my improved pressing machine; Fig. II is a view of the. pressing machine in sideelevation; Fig. III is a view, incross-section, taken on the plane indicated by the line IHIII of Fig. 1, showing to larger scale certain of the controlling instrumentalities of the machine; Fig. IV is a cross-sectional view, taken on the plane IV--IV of Fig. III, and showing in further detail certain controlling instrumentalities of the machine; F ig."V is a cross-sectional view of the machine taken on the plane V--V of Fig. II; Fig. VI is a view in cross-section, taken on the plane VI-VI of Fig. II, showing the press ing head of the machine in elevated position, and showing fragmentarily the. adjacent portions of the machine; Fig. VII is a view, similar to the view of Fig. VI, showing the pressing head in lowered position-in such position as to press a shirt; and Fig. VIII is a cross-sectional view, taken on the plane VIII-VIII of Fig. I, showing the the machine.

My machine consists essentially of a frame 1 which is adapted to support the several machine elements in the cooperative relation, presently to be described. A continuous carrier extends in upper and lower reaches3 and 4. (Fig. 11), and

extends longitudinally of the machine, and passes over rollers 5 and 6 which are suitably trunnioned at each end of the frame 1 to move intermittently the carrier from one position to another. Secured to the carrier is a plurality of members 7, each of which presents a pressing surface'la when it lies, during the movement of the carrier, in the upper reach 3. A pressing head 8 is supported by the frame 1, and is vertically movable in response to the action of a plunger in cylinder 2. Means are associated with the carrier for movin it intermittently to bring one after another the members '7 to a position beneath the head 8, and, after each member '7 is so brought to position, instrumentalities function to cause the pressing I head 8 to be powerfully lowered on the surface 7a of that member 7 which at the particular moment lies below the pressing head. Before each member '7 moves with the carrier to a position below such pressing head, however, a shirt is placed thereon to be pressed. For example, so

the shirt A (Fig. I) has been so placed, and the next intermittent movement of the carrier will I to sufficient pressing temperature, thereupon lowers under the force of the plunger in cylinder 2, and presses the shirt. .In combination with the mechanism above described,'are instrumentalities for causing the plunger to hold the parts in press- .ing' position for an interval'of time, suilicient to obtain the desired pressing. The instrumentalities then operate to cause the plunger to lift the head, and to move the carrier to-its next position. In so moving, 'the carrier brings the shirt to the position indicated by the letter B (Fig. I), whereupon the attendant removes the stretching bar 70 from theshirt.

The above outlined movements of the machine continue automatically; the attendant is stationed at the left-hand end of the machine (Figs. I and II) and arranges a shirt on each free press-' ing surface. In, prior to the movement of such surface 7a to pressing position beneath the head' belting 10 transmits movement from the carrier roll 5 of the machine proper to the motivating roll 11 of the conveyor 9; accordingly, the conveyor 9 moves step-by-step in harmony with the intermittent advances of the pressing surfaces 7a. Advantageously, a spraying device 12, which is diagrammatically indicated in the drawings, is

organized to emit automatically moisture, and dampen the shirts preparatory to pressing. At the leaving end (right-hand end in Figs. I and II) of the pressing machine, there is another conveyor, 13, fragmentarily shown, which is geared to the driving means of the endless carrier, to

' move, as the conveyor 9 moves, in synehronism with the advances of the pressing surfaces 7a.

As the surfaces 7a, that is, those of the surfaces 7a which bear pressed shirts from their position beneath the pressing head, move to the end of the upper reach 3, and are in such movement rounding the roll 6, the shirts drop to the conveyor 13, whence they are conducted to the desiredlocation I for ultimate disposition.

Thus, it will be understood that the pressing of shirts is performed automatically in my ma- 1 chine,the human element is relied upon only in the positioning of the shirts and the shirtstretching bars '70 upon the surfaces 7a, and in the removal of such bars from the pressed shirts. The movements of the instrumentalities which are combined to form my automatic pressing machine, are synchronized one with the other, and are adjustable to vary the speed of operation of the machine. That is to say, adjustment may be made to vary the interval of time duringwhich the plunger remains in lowered position, or in which it is held in raised position; indeed, the machine is so adjustable that it may be rendered effective for all conditions which are ,met in shirt pressing. Having, in general, disclosed my machine and its operation, I shall now describe minutely certain of its important structural characteristics.

The carrier for moving the shirts into and from pressing position is a particularly effective structure. Such carrier consists of two endless, roller chains 15 and 16, between which thereiextend the several rods 17. These rods are secured at their ends to the chains 15 and 16, and are spaced apart at intervals along the extent of the chains, as may be seen in Figs. I and II. The members '7, which members aflord the pressing surfaces 7a, are secured at their edges to, and extend between, each pair of these rods 17. Each member 7 is, advantageously, formed of a body of spongy rubber 18 (Fig. VIII), which body of rubber is secured, conveniently by vulcanizing, to a backing 19 of canvas. The canvas projects marginally from the rubber and is fastened at each side or the rubber body to its'associated carrier rods 17. A fabric pad 20 overlies the top surface of the rubber, and on the pad the shirt immediately rests to be pressed. The members '7 are, manifestly, of yielding characteristics; that is to say, the structure of members 7 is such as to prevent. shocks or jarring when the pressing head lowers suddenly upon a member 7 to press a shirt. The rubber body compensates, during pressing, for the various thicknesses of the folded shirt which is being pressed, and also permits the pressing head 8 to operate with great pressure upon the shirts, without break-ing the buttons of the shirts.

As above mentioned, the pressing head 8 is moved to and from pressing position by means of a plunger in cylinder 2. Conveniently, a supply. of air under pressure is communicated to 8 the cylinden'and is so controlledas to effect the desired movement ofthe plunger (22) and the head 8 (Fig. V). Such communication of air for operatingthe plunger is had through two pipes, a pipe'23 connected to the upper end of the cylinder 2, and a pipe 24 connected to the lower end. These pipes terminate at their endsthe ends which are remote from the cylinder 2- in an air valve 25 (Figs. III and IV). A pipe 26 supplies air under pressure to the valve 25, and an exhaust pipe 27 is ported to the valve, whereupon, a valve block 28 in shifting from one position to another may feed alternately plunger-operating air through one of pipes 23 and 24, and exhaust air through the other of said pipes. For example, the valve block 28 is shown in such position in Fig.

IV as to uncover the "end of pipe 24 and supply operating air to the cylinder 2, below the plunger, and also to communicate pipe 23 to the discharge pipe 27. When the valve block 28 is moved into this position, the plunger 22 will be raised, carrying with it the pressing head 8. The plunger and pressing head will remainin raised position until the valve block has been shifted to its alternate position. When the valve block moves to its alternate position, pipe 23 is opened to the pressure or air supply, pipe 24 is ported to theexhaust pipe 27, and the plunger will be forced downwardly, carrying the head 8 to pressing bq ition, where it will remain until the valve block is returned to its first described position. Means for shifting the valve block 28 from one position to the other are, however, dependent upon the movement of the means for causing the endless carrier vto advance step-by-step. Means for controlling the movement of the endless carrier are in turn actuated in response to movement of the pressing head. Therefore, the means for actuating the endless shirt carrier will be described now, in

vorder that the circle of mechanical movements,

so to speak, may be closed or joined at the plunger-controlling valve- 25.

Referring to Fig. III the roller 6 is provided with a pinion 29 which meshes with a gear 30. Gear 30 is keyed to a shaft 31, and on this shaft there is also keyed a ratchet wheel'32 which lies between the legs of a yoke shaped lever member 33. Lever 33 is freely rotatable on the shaft, but adjacent its lower end the lever includes a pawl 34 which is adapted to press against the surface of the ratchet wheel. 32,. and rest normally in one of the notches 35 of the ratchet wheel 32. Clockwise rotation of the lever 33 is eifective to rotate the wheel 32. Manifestly, rotation of wheel 32 causes the shaft 31 to rotate together I with gear 30 and pinion 29, and the carrier roller 6 will turn to advance the'carrier with its shirtsupporting-members 7 from one position to another. The rotation of lever 33, which rotation. is required to move the shirt carrier the desired distance, is through 90 degrees. Means for obtaining suchrotation, or more exactly, such oscillation of the lever 33 comprise a plung v36- (reciprocable in cylinder 37) having the pr ecting end 38 of its plunger rod connected to a link rier advancing movement.

39, which ink, as illustrated in Fig. 111, is pivotally secured to the lower end of lever 33.

Again, air under pressure is convenient to use; that is to say, the plunger 36 is reciprocated by fluid pressure, and to this end a pipe communicates with the head end of cylinder 3'7,

and a pipe 41 with the tail end. Valving means are responsive to the movement of the pressing head'8 to control pressure in pipes 40 and 41 for reciprocating the plunger 36. These valving means will be hereinafter describedfor the present, sufice it to say, the, plunger 36 intermittently moves from one end of the cylinder 37 to the other, and in so moving efiects advancement of the shirt carrier of the machine in synchronism with the movements of the pressing head 8. Fig.

III shows the plunger and the mechanism operated thereby in starting position, ready for car- After the pressing head 8 has moved to its upper positiona shirtpressing operation having been completed-the valve 45 for controlling movement of the plunger 36 functions to cause the plunger to move to the left-hand end of ,cylinder 3'7. This movement turns the lever 33 in clockwise direction, and the pawl 34, by reason of its engagement with a notch 35, is effective to move accordingly the ratchet wheel 32, shaft 31, gear 30, pinion 29, roller 6, and the carrier, together with its shirt-supporting members 7. Movement of lever 33 through an arc of 90 degrees is in the illustrated embodiment of my invention sufficient to advance the shirt-supporting members '7 the desired distance. To prevent movement of the parts past the point which determines such distance, a latch 42 is adapted to be moved by a spring 43 into the latch recess, which, of the several latch recesses 44, is opposite to the latch 42 upon completion of the movement of lever 33 through 90 degrees in a clockwise direction.

Referring again to the controlling valve 25 of the pressing head, it will be noted in Fig. IV that a spring 46 tends to maintain the valve block 28 in its illustrated position; that is, the position in which the pipe 24 is uncovered to effect the rise of plunger 22. The plunger 22 and the pressing head 8 will remain in raised position so long as the valve block .28 is in such position. Indeed, it is essential that the pressing should be in raised position for an interval of the valving means 45 to this red '71, whereby the valve block 74 (Fig. III) moves to its illustrated position when the pressing head rises to its elevated position. Thus, it will be understood that the rise of the pressing head causes an opening of pipe 40 to the operating pressure (supplied by pipe and connects pipe 41 to a discharge conduit 76. Immediately, the plunger 36 moves from right to left, and causes its associated elements to oscillate, and eflect shirt-feeding movement of the endless carrier, as above described. It will be remembered that the valve block 28 must be shifted from its illustrated position (Fig. IV) to eflfect a discharging of pipe 24, to communicate pipe 23 with the air supply, and, thereby, to cause the plunger 22 to lower and to move the pressing head 8 into pressing position.

Lever 33 is, advantageously, adapted to so shift the valve block 28. The valve block is provided with a rod 47 which projects from the valve chamber 25, as shown in Fig. IV, and, as

quired period of time varies for different fabrics,

and, therefore, it is desirable that such time of pressing should be regulatory. To this end, I provide an adjustable timing device which comprises a cylinder 60. This cylinder includes a fluid, (conveniently, the fluid is light lubricating oil) and a plunger 61. The plunger 61 is secured to a plunger rod 62, upon which there is adjustably mount a stop 63. A latch member 64 is pivotally attached at 65 to the frame of the machine, and a tension spring 66 is adapted to hold one end of the latch member against the stop 63, as may be seen in Fig. IV. A pipe 67 (Fig. III) interconnects the end portions of the cylinder 60; that is, the bore portions of the cylinder, which lie on opposite sides of the plunger 61, are in communication through pipe 67. A valve 68 is included in this pipe, and, since the cylinder is fllled with oil, it will be understood that the plunger in moving from one end of the cylinder to the other displaces the OH, and, accordingly, must force the oil through the bypass pipe 6'].

Adjustment of the valve 68 determines the rate of such by-pass flow of oil, and when the plunger is under a pressure (such, for example, as a spring 69 creates) the valve 68 controls the rate of movement of the plunger 61. The timing device thus described controls the duration of pressing as follows: The end 48 of lever 33, in rotating clockwise (Fig. III) to advance the shirt carrier forcing the rod 62 to the right (Fig. IV), and" moving the plunger 61 against the resistance of spring 69 to the right-hand end of cylinder 60.

As a result of such movement, the stop 63 moves out of contact with the latch 64, and the latch is free to move pivotally under the influence of spring 66. It so moves, until the teat64a of the latch is brought to a position against the surface of rod 47. The rod 4'1 slides with this latching teat 64a. bearing against it, while the lever 33 moves the rod and its,associated valve block 28 to its right-hand position. A notch 47a is provided in the rod 4'7, and when in such movement the notch reaches the teat, the teat swings with the latch member 64, under the influence of spring 66, into engagement with the notch. Obviously, this engagement affords a locking of the valve block 28 in its right-hand position.

The valve block 28, having been moved and locked in its right-hand position, causes the discharge conduit 76, pipe 41 is unvalved to the pressure supply, plunger 36 thereupon returns from its position in the left-hand end of the cylinder 37 (Fig. III) to its illustrated position, and lever 33, pawl 34, ratchet wheel 32 are each returned to rest in the position in which they are illustrated. It will be recalled that, upon completion of the carrier-feeding or clockwise movement of the lever, the latch 42 slides under the influence of spring 43 into locking engagement with the wheel 32. Preparatory to a carrierfeeding movement of the lever 33, obviously, the latch 42'must be shifted from looking position, and to this end, I rigidly interconnect a tripping member '78 to the latch 42. On the lever 33, I include a protuberance '79 whic is effective to shift the member '78 and withdraw the latch 42 from its locking position when the lever is moved to its illustrated position (Fig. III)the position from which the lever moves to advance the shirt carrier. W

At this point in the operation of the machine, the plunger 36 is at rest in its normal position, but the valve block 28 is locked, by the latch 64, in its right-hand position (Fig. IV). As long as the valve block is so positioned, the pressing head 8 will remain in pressing position. The valve block will remain so positioned, until the spring '69 has moved the plunger 61 and plunger rod 62 to such point that the stop 63 is effective to swing the latch 64 (against the resistance of spring 66) and remove the teat 64a from the notch 47a; whereupon, the valve block 28 is re-" leased to move under the energy of spring 46,

g which causes the valve block to shift to its lefttion-of a pressing operation. In proceeding to set forth certain desirable features of the pressing head, I shall describe the work of the attendant. As mentioned in the fore part of this specificatiomthe attendant picks up the shirt which has been conducted. by the I conveyor" 9 to him-the spraying device 12 having, of course,'dampenedthe shirt before it is so "handled by the attendant. He inserts a stretching bar '70 between the tail and bodice portions of the shirt, as shown-in Fig. I,' and the ends of the bar '70 are each slid into. a stretching dog 21. carrier rod 1'7, and each dog is in tongue-andgroove engagement with its associated rod 17.

These dogs 21 are slidable in such engagement on the rod, and, as will presently appear, means are provided for effectuating movement thereof (together with the shirt-stretching bar '70 which is positioned.therein) to drawtautthe shirt to be pressed.

After he has slid the bar '70 into an appropriate pair of co-operating dogs 21, the attendant flattens or smooths the shirt upon the pressing sur-- face 7a, that extends between the two rods 17 which bear this particular pair of stretching dogs. The shirt is now ready for pressing; shirt A in .Fig. I isv indicated ashaving been made ready rise, and the endless carrier to movethat shirt portion A" of the shirtbetween the pressing sur Dogs 21 are provided on one end of each which has. last been arranged for pressingto a position beneath the head. Figs. V and-VI show the pressing head in raised position, andin rising to this position the head 8 causes, as previously explained, the shifting of valve block '74, 80 v and the movement of the plunger 36, together. with its associated mechanism for effecting the movement of the shirt carrier. Consequently, the shirt which has last been arranged for press ing is moved to pressing position; this shirt isindicated by the dotted lines A in Fig. -VI.. Accom- 'panying the movement of the shirt carrier is theshifting of the valve block .28, and accordingly air is supplied to the-cylinder2 to effect an im-- mediate lowering of the pressing head upon the 9 shirt.

It is important to note that thepressing head 8 does not lower flat upon the shirt, but lowers in such an inclined position as to pinch the collar face 7a and the inner edge 8a of the head (Fig; VI). When the shirt is so pinched, duringthe descent of the pressing head, means function: to; draw the shirt taut, as it is desired that it shouldbe before pressing. Referringparticularly to Fig. II, these means comprise two-hook members 210 which are each-secured to a rod 211. Therods 211 extend transversely'of the machine,- as may be seen in Fig. V, and are sodisposedlon gitudinally of the machine that each oftheir-as-- sociated hook members 210 are in alignment withone of the two dogs 21, which dogs ,cosoperate to secure thestretching bar '70 in the shirt lying immediately below the pressing head. The shirt carrier, in advancing one shirt after another to ,6 a position beneath the pressing head, brings upon each of such advances a co-operating pair of dogs 21 to the position described, that is,one dog in alignment with each hook member. The hook members. have inturned tips 210a (Fig. 0115 which are adapted to engage complementary p0r-' tions on the dogs 21, so thatjin moving the rods 211 from rightto'left, Fig. V, thedogs 21 are caused to slide on their associated rods 17. Re-. membering that the shirt tcbe pressed is fixed at its collar end to the pressingsurface, i. e.,-by. the edge 8a'of the pressing head, it will be mani-- I fest that such movement of the members 210 and.

of the dogs 21 will effect a stretching of the shirt.-

I have provided a shaft .710 to which there ;is

downward movement of thepressing head and.

rod 71 effectuates a rotation ofthe shaft 710, and a corresponding movement ofthe arms ;.'7l2.=- Thereupon, the shafts 211, members-21,0, dogs- 21 and bar '70 are moved to stretch the shirt. It may be mentioned that suitable means, such asa,

spring 230, is organized with each rod 211 to re-.

turn the rods and their members 210 to normal. position" upon the rise or the pressing head-and. the consequent rise of the collar 714. As may be,- seen in Fig. I, acam surface 300-is positioned. adjacent the leaving end of the machine, and this cam surface shifts or .causesthe return of the. dogs 21 to ,their nornial; position; thissmrtms pling. The coupling consists of -a pair of lugs 802, which lugs are integral with the cross-head 800, and are provided with elongate eyes 803. The pressing head also has a pair of supporting eye-lugs 804, arranged to abut laterally the lugs 802; and a pin 805 pivotally interconnects the several eye-lugs. The pin 805 also passes through the head of an eye-bolt 806. The bolt 806 extends through the web 807 of the cross-head, and has associated therewith a spring 808 which tends to hold the pin 805 in the right-hand end of the elongated eyes 803 of the lugs 802; that is, the spring 808 tends to hold the parts in the position in which they are indicated in Fig. VI.

Adjacent the inner end of the pressing head there is a supporting member 809, having a pivotal connection 810 with the pressing head. Be-

. tween the cross-head and pressing head a compression spring 811 is arranged, and this spring together with the spring 808 serves to maintain (in its raised position) the pressing head in the inclined position, shown in Figs. V and VI. Near the edge 8a of the pressing head there is pivotally secured one or more rollers 812 which bear against the frame portions 10, and guide and steady the pressing head during its vertical reciprocations. The specialized structure of the head-supporting means imparts an exceedingly effective motion to the pressing head as it lowers upon a shirt. That is-to say, as the head 8 is caused to lower, the edge 8a thereof engages first.

the collar portion of the shirt. Continued lowering of the cross-head 800 moves the links 711, 712 and shaft 211 to effect a stretching of the shirt. During this lowering the head 8 closes upon the shirt with an angular movement about the edge 8a as a center, and with a slight lateral shifting of the head, which shifting is permittedby the slot 803, and resisted by the compressing spring 808. The movement of the pressing head, as it lowers from its raised position to pressing position (that is, from the position shown in Fig. VI to that shown in Fig. VII) is a combination of angular and sliding movements. Such pressing movement of the head 8 tends to prevent the forming of wrinkles while the shirt is being pressed.

I have described the pressing machine as it is adapted for the pressing of shirts. It is to be understood, however, that the machine of my invention may be employed to press collars, pockets and cuffs, or other portions of wearing apparel, and thereby to adapt such portions for assembly or sewing with other patterns of fabric to form completed garments.

What I claim is:

1. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of a plurality of shirt-bearing surfaces movably supported by said frame, a pressing head, means for moving said surfaces one after fluid pressure means to maintain said head in pressing position for an interval of time sufficient to press a shirt, and adjustable controlling means associated with said valving means for varying such interval of time in which said head remains in pressing position.

2. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, .of a plurality of shirt-bearing surfaces movably supported by said frame, a pressing head, means for automatically and intermittently moving said shirt-bearing surfaces to bring them to a position one after another beneath said pressing head, said'pressing head being movable to and from pressing position on the shirt-bearing surface which lies immediately therebeneath, fluid pressure means for effecting automatically such movement of the pressing head, valving means for causing said fluid pressure means to maintain said head in pressing position for an interval of time sufficient to press a shirt, and adjustable controlling means associated with said valving .means for varying such interval of time in which said head remains in pressing position and correspondingly retarding the succession of movements of said shirt-bearing surfaces.

3. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of an endless carrier including a plurality of shirt-bearing surfaces which are movable in upper and lower reaches in said frame,

a pressing head borne by the frame and adapted to be reciprocated, means for moving said carrier intermittently and bringing the shirt-bearing surfaces one after another to a position beneath said pressing head, fluid pressure means for effecting such reciprocation of said pressing head,

adapted to be reciprocated, means for moving said carried intermittently and bringing the shirtbearing surfaces one after another to a position beneath said pressing head, means for effecting such reciprocation of said pressing head, means for controllingsaid movement of the carrier, the last-mentioned means being in synchronism with the first mentioned means, whereby 131 said carrier is automatically caused to move when said head is raised from pressing position, and an endless conveyor for transporting shirts to be pressed to'the shirt-pressing machine, and connections from such machine to said conveyor for effecting movements of the conveyor in synchronism with the movements of said shirt-bearing surfaces.

5. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of an endless carrier including a plurality of shirt-bearing surfaces which are movable in upper and lower reaches in said frame, a pressing head borne by the frame and adapted to be reciprocated, means for moving said carrier intermittently and bringing the shirt-bearing surfaces one after another to a position beneath said pressing head, means for effecting such reciprocation of said pressing head, means for controlling said movement of the carrier, the last mentioned means being in synchro- 150 nism with the first. mentionedmeans, whereby said carrier is automatically caused to move when said head is raised from pressing position, and an endless conveyor for transporting shirts to be pressed to the shirt-pressing machine, a shirt spraying device adjacent the end of said conveyor, and connections from such machineto said conveyor and to the shirt-spraying device for rendering the conveyor and spraying device effective in synchronism with the movements of the aforesaid shirt-bearing surfaces.

6. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of an endless carrier includinga plurality of shirt-bearing surfaces which are movable in upper and lower reaches in said frame, a pressing head borne by the frame and adapted to be reciprocated, means for moving said carrier intermittently and bringing the shirt-bearing surfaces one after another to a position beneath said pressing head, means for effecting such reciprocationof said pressing head, means for controlling said movement of the carrier, the last mentionedmeans being in synchronism with the first mentioned means, whereby said carrier is automatically caused to move when said head is raised from pressing position, and an endless conveyor for transporting shirts to be pressed to the shirt-pressing machine, an endless conveyor for transporting pressed shirts away from said machine, connection from the machine to each of said conveyors for moving them in synchronism with the movements of the aforesaid shirt-bearing surfaces, and a shirt-spraying device associated with the first mentioned conveyor and adapted to spray automatically the sfirts which are conveyed thereby to the mac ne. 1

'7. In a shirt-pressing machine the combina.- tion with a frame, of a plurality of shirt-bearing surfaces 1 movably supported by said frame, a

pressing head, means for automaticall and intermittently moving said shirt-bearing surfaces to bring them to a position one after another beneath said pressing head, said pressing head being movable to and from pressing position on the shirt-bearing surface which lies immediately therebeneath, shirt-stretching elements associated with each shirt-bearing surface, complementary shirt-stretching elements mounted in said frame, whereby the shirt-stretching elements associated with said surfaces are severally brought into cooperative relation with said M complementary elements, means for moving said pressing head, and means for moving said complementary shirt-stretching elements in synchronism with the movements of said pressing head.

8. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of a carrier bearing a plurality of pressing surfaces, a pressing head, means for moving said carrier to shift said surfaces one after another to a position beneath said pressing head, automatic means for moving said head into and from pressing position, stretching elements associated with eachpressing surface, and complementary stretching mechanism operable in synchronism with said head, thestretching elements of the pressing surfaces, as the surfaces are severally brought to position beneath said head, being shifted into co-operative relation with said complementary stretching mecha- 9. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of a shirt-bearing surface supported by said frame, a pressing head movable to and from pressing position on said surface, power means for so moving said pressing head, shirt-stretching means associated with said surface, means associated with said pressing head for causing it as it lowers into pressing position to secure along one edge a shirt which is arranged on said shirt-bearing surface, and actuating means for said shirt-stretching means which actuating means are responsive to movement of said head into such shirt-securing position.

10. In a shirt-pressing machine the combina tion with a frame, of a shirt-bearing surface supported by said frame, a pressing head movable to and from pressing position on said surface, power means for so moving said pressing head, shirtstretching means associated with said surface, means for supporting said pressing head in inclined position as it lowers upon the shirt-bearing surface, whereby said head is adapted to secure along one edge a folded shirt which is arranged on said shirt-bearing surface, and actuating means for said shirt-stretching means, which actuating means are responsive to movement of said head, whereby the shirt is drawn taut whileit is so secured. a

11. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of a plurality "of shirt-bearing surfaces movably supported by said frame, a pressing head borne by said frame, means for automatically and intermittently moving said shirt-bearing surfacesto bring successively each surface to a position beneath said pressing head,

means for automatically causing said pressing head to move into and from pressing position upon the shirt-bearing surface which lies therebeneath, shirt-stretching members associated with each shirt-bearing surface, and automatically operable jmeans for rendering effective the shirtstretching members, which are associated with the shirt-bearing surface lying beneath 'said pressing head, before the pressing head lowers into pressing position.

12. In a shirt-pressing machine the combina tion withaa'frame, ,of a plurality of shirt-bearing surfaces movably supported by said frame, a pressing head borne by said frame, means for automatically and intermittently moving said shirt-bearingsurfaces to bring successively each surface to a position beneath said pressing head, means for automatically moving said pressing head into pressing position uponthe shirt-bearing surface which lies therebeneath andfor maintaining the head in such position for an interval of time suflicientto press a shirt, an adjustable controlling device for varying the interval of time in which said head is so caused to remain in pressing position, shirt-stretching members associated with each shirt-bearing surface, and automatically operable means for rendering effective the shirt-stretching members, which are associated with the shirt-bearing surface lying beneath ,said

pressinghead, before the pressing head lowersinto pressing position.

13. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of a plurality .of shirt-bearing surfaces movably supported by said frame, each v of such surfaces comprising a pad which is backed by a layer of compressible material, a pressing head borne by said frame, means for automatically and intermittently moving said shirt-bearing surfaces to bring successively each surface to a position beneath said pressing head, means for automatically moving said pressing head into pressing position upon theshirt-bearing surface which lies therebeneath and for maintaining the head in such position for an interval of time suflicient to press a an adjustable controlling device for varying the interval of time in which said head is so caused to remain in pressing position, shirt-stretching members associated with each shirt-bearing surface, and automatically operable means for rendering eflective the shirtstretching members, which are associated with the shirt-bearing surface lying beneath said pressing head, before the pressing head lowers into pressing position.

14. In a shirt-pressing machine the combina- I tion with a frame, of .a plurality of shirt-bearing surfaces movably supported by said frame, means for automatically and intermittently moving said shirt-bearing surfaces to bring successively each surface to a positio'frbeneath said pressing head, means for automatically causing said pressing head to move into and from pressing position upon the shirt-bearing surface which lies therebeneath, shirt-stretching members associated with each shirt-bearing surface, means for causing said pressing head, as it lowers into pressing position, to secure along one edge a shirt which is arranged on the shirt-bearing surface lying beneath said pressing head, and means responsive to such lowering movement of the head for rendering the shirt-stretching means effective to draw taut the shirt which is so secured by the pressing head.

15. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of a plurality of shirt-bearing surfaces movablysupported by said frame, means for automatically and intermittently moving said shirt-bearing surfaces to bring successively each surface to a position beneath said pressing head, means for moving automatically said pressing head into pressing position upon the shirt-bearingv surface which lies therebe" neath and for maintaining the head in such position for an interval of time suflicient to press a shirt, an adjustable controlling device for varying the interval of time in which said head is so caused to remain in pressing position, shirtstretching members associated with each shirtbearing surface, means for causing said pressing head, as it lowers into pressing position, to secure along one edge a shirt which is arranged on the shirt-bearing surface lying beneath said pressing head, and means responsive to such lowering movement of the head for rendering the shirt-stretching means effective to draw taut the shirt which is so secured by the pressing head.

16. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of a shirt-bearing surface, supported by said frame, a pressing head movable to and from pressing position on said surface, power means for moving said head into pressing position and for maintaining the head in such position for an interval of time sufficient to press a shirt, means for automatically controlling said power means, which controlling means are adjustabie for regulating such interval of time,

shirt-stretching means associated with said surface, means for supporting said pressing head in inclined position as it lowers to pressing position, whereby said head is adapted to secure along one edge a folded shirt which is arranged on said shirt-bearing surface, and means for causing said shirt-stretchingmeans to draw taut the shirt while it is so secured.

1'1. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, ofa shirt-bearing surface supported by said frame, a'crosshead, a pressing head, means forv reciprocating the cross-head and moving the pressing head into and out of pressing position upon said shirt-bearing surface, and connecting means for securing said pressing head to said cross-head, and means for causing the pressing head to incline from the horizontal when the pressing head is out of pressing position, which last-mentioned means admit of angularclosing of the pressing head upon the shirt-bearing surface when the crosshead is moving the pressing head into pressing position.

18. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of a shirt-bearing surface supported by said frame, a cross-head, a pressing head, means for reciprocating the cross-head and moving the pressing head into and out of pressing position upon said shirt-bearing surface, and connecting means for securing said pressing head to said cross-head, and means for causing the pressing head to incline from the horizontal when the pressing head is out of press: ing position, which last-mentioned means admit of an angular closing of the pressing head upon the shirt-bearing surface when the cross-head is moving the pressing head into pressing position, and yielding means tending to maintain said pressing head in such inclined position.

19. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of a shirt-bearing surface supported by said frame, a cross-head, a pressing head, means for reciprocating the pressing head into and out of pressing position uponsaid shirtoearing surface, and connecting means for securing said pressing head to said cross head, and means for causing the pressing head to incline from the horizontal when the pressing head is out of pressing position, which last-mentioned means includes a plurality of parts movable relatively to head, means .for reciprocating the cross-head and moving the pressing head into and out of pressing position upon said shirt-bearing surface, and connecting means for securing said pressing head to said cross-head, means for causing the pressing head to incline from the horizontal when the pressing head is out of pressing position, which last-mentioned means includes a plurality of parts movable relatively to each other to admit of an angular movement of the pressing head and to admit of a lateral movement between the crosshead and pressing head when the cross-head is moving the pressing head into pressing position, and yielding means tending to prevent such angular and lateral movements.

21. In a shirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of an endless carrier, a plural: ity of shirt-bearing surfaces on said carrier, a pressing head, fluid pressure means for moving the pressing head to and from a position upon one of said shirt-bearing surfaces, mechanism for producing intermittent advancement of said shirtbearing surfaces, connections between said mechanism and said pressing head, whereby said mechanism is operated to effect an advance of the carrier when said pressing head moves upward.

22. In ashirt-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of an endless carrier, a plurality of shirt-bearing surfaces on said carrier,

a pressing head fluid pressure means for moving said carrier intermittently to bring the shirt-bearing surfaces one after another to a position beneath said pressing head, fluid pressure means for lowering the pressing head upon the shirtbearing surface which lies therebeneath and for raising the pressing head from its lowered position, connections betweensaid head and the firstmentioned fluid pressure means, whereby an advance of the carrier is effected when said pressing head raises from its lowered position.

23. In a garment-pressing machine the combination with a frame, of a garment-bearing surface, a pressing head, fluid pressure means for moving said pressing head into and out of press ing position upon said surface, a valving device having two operative positions, which device in one of said positions renders the said fluid pressure means efiective for moving the pressing head out of pressing position, and instrumentalities, responsive to the movement of said pressing head out of pressing position, for shifting the valving device to its second position and rendering the said fluid pressure means efiective for moving the pressing head into pressing position, together wth an adjustabletiming device associated with said valve device to regulate the time interval in which the pressing head remains. in its lower position.

" THOMAS H. MCGOWAN. 

